He Spake of the Cedar. and the Hyssop
The sermon emphasizes God's preference for a humble heart over grand physical structures, highlighting the significance of the hyssop and the true nature of His dwelling place.
George Warnock emphasizes God's greatness and His desire to dwell with the humble and contrite. He reflects on the significance of the 'hyssop' in contrast to the grandeur of the 'cedar,' illustrating that God's true habitation is not in magnificent structures but in the hearts of those who are broken and seek Him. Warnock reminds us that the temple built by Solomon was meant to be a house of prayer for all nations, and when its purpose was lost, God called His people back to the essence of true worship and humility. The sermon highlights that God looks favorably upon those who are poor in spirit and tremble at His Word, reinforcing the idea that true greatness in God's eyes comes from humility.
Text
God takes special note of the "hyssop" because He is so Great. He tells us that He "dwells in the high and holy place," and then He is quick to remind us, "I dwell also with him that is of a contrite and humble spirit," (Isaiah 57:15). The "house" that Solomon built Him was really just intended to be a "house of prayer for all nations." It was never intended to be a dwelling place for God; nor did Solomon recognize it as such. Therefore when the purpose for which it was built became obscured and out of sight, God was faithful to remind them of His true habitation: not a stately palace built of the Cedars of Lebanon, and adorned with gold and silver and precious stone: but a home as insignificant and weak as man himself... but this man must be poor in spirit, and broken and contrite in heart:
"Where is the place that ye build unto me?
And where is the place of my rest?
For all those things hath mine hand made,
And all those things have been, saith the Lord:
But to this man will I look,
Even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit,
And trembleth at my Word."
(Isaiah 66:1, 2)
Sermon Outline
- I points: - God's greatness and His dwelling place - The significance of the hyssop - Contrasting human constructions with divine purpose
- II points: - The true nature of God's habitation - The importance of a humble spirit - God's faithfulness in reminding His people
- III points: - The house built by Solomon - Prayer as the intended purpose - God's desire for a contrite heart
- IV points: - The symbolism of cedar and hyssop - The call to humility - The relationship between God and the humble
Key Quotes
“I dwell also with him that is of a contrite and humble spirit.” — George Warnock
“Where is the place that ye build unto me?” — George Warnock
“But to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit.” — George Warnock
Application Points
- Seek to cultivate a humble spirit in your relationship with God.
- Recognize that true worship is not about physical structures but about the condition of our hearts.
- Embrace the reminder that God values our contrition and humility above all else.